This study aimed to validate a Polish adaptation of the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (BPNS&FS) and determine the significance of need satisfaction and frustration for mental health. The scale measures satisfaction and frustration of basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, relatedness. The measurement of these needs has an important role in the explanation of psychological well-being and risk of disorders. participants and procedureThe study involved 792 participants (50% woman) and 60 (67% men) alcohol addicted patients. We obtained a Polish translation equivalent to the original tool. Three theoretical models were tested by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA, N = 736). Reliability was tested using test-retest reliability, item-total correlation, and internal consistency. Criterion validity was evaluated based on the correlation with happiness resources, symptoms of mental health disorders, psychache, and risk of alcoholism. resultsCFA confirmed the validity of measurement for two independent dimensions: satisfaction and frustration of each need. The BPNS&FS is characterized by good reliability parameters. Criterion validity was confirmed by significantly positive relations of needs satisfaction with happiness resources, and negative relations with symptoms of mental health disorders, psychache, and the risk of alcoholism. Need frustration has opposite relations with the above variables. The validity was also supported by significantly higher need frustration among alcoholics, compared to a normative sample. Women differed significantly from men in lower autonomy and competence satisfaction and higher relatedness satisfaction. conclusionsThe Polish version of the BPNS&FS is a valuable and reliable measurement tool. It has been confirmed that both the satisfaction and frustration of needs have important consequences for well-being and mental health.

Background: The global epidemic of SARS-CoV-2 caused various deprivations and threats and forced the implementation of drastic restrictions in the whole world, including Poland. Objectives: Recognizing the consequences of the epidemic in the context of basic psychological needs satisfaction and frustration, the level of experienced stress, and the use of coping strategies.Design: The results of the pre-epidemic group (N = 626; aged 18 - 40) were compared with the results of the epidemic group (N = 282; aged 17 - 44). The following tests were used; BPNS&FS (Chen et al., 2015), PSS (Cohen et al., 1983), and COPE (Carver et al., 1989).Results: Women from the epidemic group reported higher levels of stress, lower satisfaction and higher frustration of autonomy and competence than the control group. Men from the epidemic group differed from the control group only by a higher frustration of autonomy. We found significant differences in coping strategy preference. The epidemic group was characterized by the following strategies: acceptance, mental disengagement, restraint, positive reinterpretation and growth, use of emotional social support, and use of humor.Conclusions: The results are consistent with previously documented reactions to uncontrolled and critical stressors and indicate the adaptability of undertaken coping efforts.